The Beaver County Holy Name Society honored members who have been exemplary in promoting the love, honor and respect for the name of Jesus with the presentation of the Blessed John of Vercelli Award at its 53rd Annual Awards Banquet April 28 at the St. Francis Cabrini Parish social hall in Center Township.

Those honored were Keith Barrow of Holy Family, New Brighton; Cynthia Burger of St. Monica, Chippewa Township; Jacqueline D’Alessandris of St. Titus, Aliquippa; Edward Elder of St. Francis Cabrini; Jerome Farkasovsky of Our Lady of Peace, Conway; Bob Nauman of Holy Redeemer, Ellwood City; Donald Frynkewicz of St. John the Baptist, Baden; and Geraldine “Jeri” Selby of St. John the Baptist, Monaca.

The presentations were made by Bob Crawford, president of the Diocesan Union of the Holy Name Society, and the Holy Name Society parish presidents. Burger was unable to attend the dinner because of the death of her son two days before. A moment of silence was held in his memory, and the gathering prayed a Hail Mary.

The emcee for the event was Joe Klimchak, in-game host for the Pittsburgh Pirates, who grew up in St. Frances Cabrini Parish. He recognized the awardees for celebrating the light of Christ.

“These are take-charge awardees,” he said. “They want to serve.”

In accepting his award, Nauman said: “There’s no reason that everyone in this room can’t be a part of it (the society). You’ll never regret it.”

The society presented Klimchak with an appreciation award for his contributions to their efforts.

“As long as I’m able, I hope to be here,” he said in accepting it. “It’s an honor for me.”